ENTERED ACTIVE DUTY ON FEBRUARY 23, 1943. HE SERVED ABOARD THE B-17 BOMBER 'OUR CHERRY' OF THE 305TH BOMB GROUP, ASSIGNED TO THE 8TH AIR FORCE. HE WAS SEVERELY WOUNDED ON JANUARY 10, 1945 BY ENEMY FLAK. HE SAVED HIS BADLY DAMAGED AIRCRAFT FROM DESTRUCTION. RECEIVED THE SILVER STAR AND PURPLE HEART FOR HIS ACTIONS.